At Last by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem describes a moment of introspection and regret for past mistakes. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. They express a desire to turn back time and correct past errors, but acknowledge that this is impossible. The poem explores themes of mortality, regret, and the passage of time.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry · 246 words
First lines
When on my day of life the night is falling, And, in the winds from unsunned spaces blown, I hear far voices out of darkness calling My feet to paths unknown,
Thou who hast made my home of life so pleasant, Leave not its tenant when its walls decay; O Love Divine, O Helper ever present, Be Thou my strength and stay!
Be near me when all else is from me drifting Earth, sky, home's pictures, days of shade and shine, And kindly faces to my own uplifting The love which answers mine.
I have but Thee, my Father! let Thy spirit Be with me then to comfort and uphold; No gate of pearl, no branch of palm I merit, Nor street of shining gold.
What this Textopian page supports
At Last is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1827 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Inspirational Poetry
- Length: 246 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem expresses deep spiritual themes, invoking divine presence and comfort.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional tone reflects the inner thoughts and feelings of the speaker.
- Nature Poetry — Imagery of nature is used to convey peace and healing, emphasizing the connection between the divine and the natural world.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of life, death, and the afterlife presents philosophical reflections on existence.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Seasonal · Autumn